TW Steam S Playtesters

Some TW play testers have switched to the new Steam 99S rackets - Jason, Mark, Spencer (?). The question is - Are these guys winning significantly more games, sets, matches, against all of you who play often with them. It seems they hit with more spin, but do they play a level higher with the racket (4.0 to 4.5, say) or about the same?

I'm not a TW tester, but I do know that the Steam 99S has cut down significantly on my errors, which has led to more match wins.
I just play more cleanly and more consistent tennis with this racquet, and it has bred more confidence for me to go for my shots.

Some TW play testers have switched to the new Steam 99S rackets - Jason, Mark, Spencer (?). The question is - Are these guys winning significantly more games, sets, matches, against all of you who play often with them. It seems they hit with more spin, but do they play a level higher with the racket (4.0 to 4.5, say) or about the same?

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Since I regularly get beaten down by Spencer, Mark, and other playtesters, my wins havent' necessarily gone up. However, I do feel like I am able to compete better because I can hit a heavier ball and also, with the spin, shots that normally go out are now landing in.

Any thoughts from Chris or Andy about how Mark or Spencer are playing with it?

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They are both getting noticeably more topspin on their shots. I get to hit with Spencer a little more often than Mark (we have a weekly doubles match we play) so I can attest more to Spennie than Mark, but Spencer is getting some more kick on his kick serves, more slice on his slices and volleys, and more topspin off both sides. He seems to be hitting with more confidence knowing that his shots will drop in at the last moment, especially when he really accelerates his swing.

They are both getting noticeably more topspin on their shots. I get to hit with Spencer a little more often than Mark (we have a weekly doubles match we play) so I can attest more to Spennie than Mark, but Spencer is getting some more kick on his kick serves, more slice on his slices and volleys, and more topspin off both sides. He seems to be hitting with more confidence knowing that his shots will drop in at the last moment, especially when he really accelerates his swing.

Andy, TW

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How is everyone dealing with the fact that you need to restring so often? Every 6-10 hours is weekly if you play 3,4 times a week.

Seems like it is making a significant positive difference to Spencer's game. Andy, why haven't you switched? Did you not play better with it?

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I really like playing with it, and I think it's great for hitting topspin. To be honest, one big reason I didn't want to switch to it is that I find it difficult to switch between the Steam and more traditional racquets. We hit lots of different racquets and string setups for playtesting (often times in the same hitting session), and when going FROM the Steam BACK to a traditional frame, I struggle with the adjustment. The ball comes off at a slightly higher trajectory off the Steam, and I also find myself altering my strokes in order to generate the most topspin I can with it. I can't help but get carried away with the spin potential.

Also, although I really like it for hitting topspin, I find other racquets suit me better for the other shots in my game. They are racquets that I think perform better around the net, on serve and on slices, but obviously the playtesters that have switched to it would disagree with me there.

So...I do really like hitting with it and I definitely think it helps my topspin groundstrokes, but it just couldn't take my top spot!

I've been looking at the EX03 100 16x18 which you used to play with and was wondering what you feel you're getting out of the Steam that you weren't getting with the 03. Obviously, the extreme spin is one thing but the 03 is also a very spin-friendly frame. Were there any injury issues that cropped up when you were using the 03 or was there something in particular that made you move on from it?

Our TW Playtesters all work at Tennis Warehouse. We occasionally post playtest opportunities on the message board for racquets, strings, and shoes. Currently, we have two shoes and strings playtests going. Keep an eye out for another racquet and string playtest later this month. We pick our playtesters based on a variety of reasons from participation on the message board to past reviews.